WordPress 2.5 Sidebar Widgets Guide
WordPress 2.5 ushered in major changes in the WordPress dashboard both visually and functionally. Navigating the dashboard is a little different, but if you have spent any amount of time with previous versions then it shouldn’t take long to figure it out. WordPress sidebar widgets have had a major change with version 2.5 and, in my opinion, some of them are good and some I haven’t decided on yet.
Getting to sidebar widgets in WordPress 2.5 is just a little different than previous versions in that the Presentation menu is now called Design. Once in the Widgets submenu you will see it has a completely different look and feel.
At the top of the widgets screen you will see new drop down options, one on the left for what widgets to show in this view. Note this option doesn’t affect what shows on the sidebar, just your view while working in this menu. Another drop down on the right to choose what sidebar you are working with if your theme has more than one sidebar. There is also a sidebar search feature on the top right.
Adding widgets is pretty straight forward from here: If the Add link is shown on an available widget from the left side then clicking it will move it over to the right into the sidebar. Once on the sidebar you can now use drag and drop to position the widget into the desired location on the WordPress sidebar.
Clicking Edit on the widget will give you the option to remove it or, if available, to make any changes you want to it. Removing a widget is a little awkward in that you must click the edit link on it to get an opportunity to remove it. Something I admit took me a while to figure out. Once you have all your widgets as you wish just click Save Changes.
Text widgets are still one of the most versatile, and best options of using WordPress, and in WordPress version 2.5 there are now more than the ten available text widgets as in previous versions. Text widgets can accept plain text, scripts or HTML, just be sure if adding images or scripts to a text widget that they are not larger than the sidebar container. You should check the look of your WordPress blog in at least two different browsers to make sure it looks right. Bad code or missing code tags can wreak havoc on your blog as well as images too big for the sidebar. Pasting text from an MS Word document into your sidebar, or a post, can create problems as well.
Update for those having problems with text widgets in 2.5 and 2.5.1 !
There are known issues with text widgets in both versions and I don’t have all the answers. There are multiple posts on the WordPress forum regarding this. The easiest fix may be to use Firefox for a browser rather than Internet Explorer. Another reason to not upgrade your blog if it is operating the way you want as it is! If you have widget issues check out all the posts for a possible solution here: WordPress.org Forum
Similar Posts:
- WordPress 2.5 Dashboard Changes
- WordPress 2.5.1 Released Security Issues And Other Fixes
- WordPress 2.6 Write Post Guide
- WordPress Version 2.5 Where Is The BlogRoll
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Comments
[...] you would like to learn how to use widgets in WordPress 2.5+, I recommend you check out the WordPress 2.5 Sidebar Widgets Guide over at WordPress Max. He does a good job of getting you used to the new look and feel of the new [...]
[...] you would like to learn how to use widgets in WordPress 2.5+, I recommend you check out the WordPress 2.5 Sidebar Widgets Guide over at WordPress Max. He does a good job of getting you used to the new look and feel of the new [...]
How do you move a widget from the left to the right??
I tried hitting remove on a test widget and it deleted every text widget in that column.
has anyone else run into this??
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I’ve never used wp 2.5 yet
But this info still usefull 
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Cuzzy, remove the text widget and then click the drop down box to switch to the other sidebar and add it it back.
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It LOOKS like they all disappear, because it switches (on the left) to “show used widgets” when you remove them. Don’t ask me why. Just use the dropdown to click “show ALL widgets” and they’ll reappear. Then do what Jeff said to do.
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[...] miss this WordPress 2.5 Widget guide, by WordPress [...]
[...] mancate di dare un’occhiata alla guida ai Widget di WordPress 2.5, di WordPress [...]
[...] WordPress 2.5 Sidebar Widgets Guide helps Plugin authors and users understand more about how WordPress 2.5 sidebar widgets [...]
Hi,
First off let me just say I am so lost on installing a widget.
I am using the default blog theme that came with WP 2.5 so it does support widgets, but how do I install a text widget that I found at http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/the-latest-news
Do I put it in a folder under wp-content/plugins/widgets or do I put it in the sidebar editor?
Thanks,
Jeff
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You can put any code for a widget into a text widget or embed it directly into the sidebar. I suggest you use a text widget here is a guide on versions prior to 2.5 to give you an idea what text widgets can do.
http://www.wordpressmax.com/customize-wordpress/text-widgets
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Hello,
Thanks for the reply but it really left me more confused since the interface is really different from the older version and it still has me stumped as too how to add a widget to the list,
Yes its a text widget, as in I clicked on the Get Widget and it gave me a script, where and how do I put the script?
http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/the-latest-news
Thanks,
Jeff Hughes
Anyone can e-mail ne directly and any steps would help.
Jeff
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How to Edit a Text Widget
Login to the WordPress dashboard using your username and password. That location is usually the URL of your blog with this added on the end of the URL: /wp-admin/
Click Design, click Widgets, on the left click Add next to a Text widget. That will add an empty text widget to the sidebar on the right. Then on the right click Edit on the newly added text widget. The text widget will now open so you can add your text or code to it.
The top smaller box is for the title of the widget. Think of a relevant, short description for the content of the widget and type it (using your computer keyboard) into the top title area.
The bigger lower area is for anything including any code say from a place like this: http://www.widgetbox.com/widget/the-latest-news
To get code or anything to paste into a text widget place your computer mouse cursor into the text area and left click once then hold the ctrl key and the a key at the same time to copy the code. Or right click (using your computer’s mouse) and choose select all and then right click again and choose copy. Or left click (using your computer’s mouse) in front of the code or text and while holding the left mouse button drag your mouse across all of the text until it is highlighted, then right click and choose copy.
To paste your code or text into the bottom area of the text widget right click (using your computer’s mouse) into the lower, larger area of the text widget and choose paste. On the bottom left of the text widget click Change to close the text widget. Finally click Save Changes on the bottom right under the active widgets.
Next scroll up and click the View Site link at the very top of your WordPress dashboard right next to the title of your blog. Make sure your new widget looks OK and is not too big for the sidebar.
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Hello,
I wanted to thank you for your help, I looked through various sites, and fought my web host whom were supposed to support WP and they did not give help they just sent me a links.
Sometimes its best if some one like you guys to say “Ok, here is what you do”
Again thank you, and I hope you don’t mind further questions.
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[...] WordPress 2.5 Sidebar Widgets Guide | WordPress Max [...]
I’ve migrated to WP 2.5. Everything looks good but … my widget panel presents different columns widths from the original. When I open a text widget, I only see the right part of the text and, most terrifying, I can’t see the change and remove buttons. Right know, I can create more text widgets, but I can’t delete them. Did you hear about this bug? Anything to do?
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Alan, I have no idea whats causing the issue, perhaps, a missing or corrupt WordPress file. Try uploading the files again. Or it could be an issue with your hosting account. If all else fails go back to Version 2.3.3
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Hi. I’m just wondering if there’s a way to retrieve a Text Widget after it has been deleted in the sidebar? In previous versions, if you remove Text1 and replace it with Text2 – the code in Text1 persists. You could then replace Text2 or re-add Text1 whenever.
In WP 2.5, I seem to able to add new Text Widgets but once you remove it from the sidebar – is it gone forever?
Cheers.
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Rommel, that is a good question and I believe you are correct. In previous versions a text widget could be removed from the sidebar by moving it down to the available widgets area, retaining its content but not showing on the sidebar.
Now in 2.5, I am pretty sure, when you remove a text widget it is gone forever.
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“Now in 2.5, I am pretty sure, when you remove a text widget it is gone forever.”
Which is one, of many reasons, that 2.5 (per widgets) is a disaster.
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WordPress Max is still operating on version 2.2. !
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I am having problems with my RSS widget in the sidebar, when I configure it and save the changes it doesn’t allow me to go back and EDIT it. The edit link is gone so I can’t remove it or do any changes. any ideas?
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Nesa, try to upgrade to 2.5.1. Otherwise I have no idea other than a bug in 2.5 that the WordPress team would need to address.
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[...] This post is for WordPress prior to version 2.5. The widget menu has changed with 2.5 and a new guide is posted here: WordPress 2.5 Sidebar Widgets Guide [...]
hello,
I have wordpress 2.5 but i only get one text widget how do i get more or is there anything i can do to fix why am not gettin more then one?
thank you for your help
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P{ecious if you can add more than one text widget by clicking Add on the text widgets on the left try upgrading to 2.5.1.
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Thank you Jeff. You are the best!
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Thank you.
And i’m recommend good article about sidebar widgets:
Sidebar widget development
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[...] you would like to learn how to use widgets in WordPress 2.5+, I recommend you check out the WordPress 2.5 Sidebar Widgets Guide over at WordPress Max. He does a good job of getting you used to the new look and feel of the new [...]
Another widget problem, and yes I did search for 3 hours for an answer.
Wordpress 2.5.1… It’s supposed to have a directory listing like /wp-content/plugins/widgets/ Correct?
My version doesn’t have that. I have widgets listed in the dashboard, but even if i put that directory in I don’t have the widgets I’ve downloaded.
This is making me nuts…
I follow the destructions and it still isn’t happening.
What did I miss?
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John there is no “Widgets” directory. Widgets are usually added by uploading a “Plugin” to the plugin directory.
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Great site and VERY informative. Does anyone know how to edit the color of the link in a text box?
I am NOT a code guy. I’m using the standard WP text box but when I insert a link, It does not change colors on mouse over like my others do.
Thanks again!
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Vern you need to change that link color in your themes style.css file. I have a few posts about that here on my site Here:
http://www.wordpressmax.com/?s=link+color
Or search my site in the top right or search Google.
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Thanks for your article. I’m having a problem with text widgets (as well as inserting images) in version 2.5.1 I really wish I’d never upgraded!
I want to add a text widget, I click add but when it appears I can’t edit it. It just simply disappears when I click edit. It’s driving me crazy. Whatever they’ve used to script/code this new edition is just horribly buggy.
I tried searching their forum for ‘widgets’ but it came back with no items found (which is ridiculous) as I’ve already seen about 10 posts that include that word.
The media gallery doesn’t work either. The only way I can include images now in my blog is if I upload it to my server manually and code it.
If anyone does find a fix that doesn’t involve changing my browser (I like IE) feel free to get in touch – thanks!
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Oh – a few hours later and I discovered an embarrassingly simple fix – Apparently you have to save the new text widget and then you can edit it.
I also discovered a fix for the image problem I was having – don’t use tabbed browsing! I would never have thought of trying that but found a comment on the forums for wordpress. The user said just make sure you’re in a new window not a tab in Explorer. Worked like a charm
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[...] The Sidebar setup has changed quite a bit. A lot of WordPress users feel it isn’t necessarily an improvement. There is an article talking about how they work. [...]
[...] on the top navigation bar to start. For banners you may want to learn more about sidebar widgets: Sidebar Widgets Guide Sidebar Widgets Video __________________ Jeff Houdyschell WordPress Powered PIPS Run your site [...]
[...] Re: Word Press Blogs and Commenting To Stephen, Being new at this, I thank you for bringing these issues up. Without seeing things like this in the posts here, it could be a long time before some of these things would be realized. This could mean missing out on a lot of things that can bring traffic, and in turn good seo habits. To howdy, Thank you for your awesome guide, if I can use your guide and get through installing word press on my site, anyone can. I have also been browseing a couple of your other guides, and would like to say well done. To all, You have all made this forum a great source of information,ideas and in my opinion the best training tool I have come across. I view the forum as a training tool, because I can spend literally hours here reading posts and always leave better for having done it. Mike Carpenter ps. Will add the new blog to sig, after i finish setting up. I have to check out this guide and do a little more work first. WordPress 2.5 Sidebar Widgets Guide | WordPress Max [...]
I can’t seem to add google adsense to my WordPress blog site. I tried to follow your instructions but I doesn’t work. Or I ma doing something wrong. Help please.
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Mike you can’t put AdSense on a WordPress.com hosted blog, you need to have a self-hosted WordPress blog.
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Can you change the names of the widgets in WP?
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Read the post, it says:
Or you could just try it on your own, open a widget and see if you can give it a different title?
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Have any one experienced a traffic drop when changing the wordpress widget? I want to do some changes but I don´t dare, bacause I´m afraid that it will cause a drop.
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Good piece.
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Very informative post – thanks for the effort ^^
I’m also interested, which template have you installed at the moment? Its a great design and I would like to know where I can get a copy.
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Chris the theme is a customized version of “Networker” you can get it here: http://antbag.com/themes/
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Please help. I have deleted two widgets from the sidebar – but even after SAVING the changes – those widgets still appear on the blog itself.
I want to change the text widget so I deleted them. However, when you go to the admin page – it says there that I no longer have those deleted widgets – but when you go to HOME – it is as if nothing has been changed.
The new widgets do not appear because I still have the old ones appearing.
Appreciate any help anyone can give.
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Jeff Replied:
March 16th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
There are a few things that I can think of. One is your browser needs refreshed or the cache cleared. Two is you have a cache plugin installed on your WordPress blog that is causing the same old cached site to show. Try deactivating it and refreshing your browser. And lastly is your theme is not really widgetized and what is showing on the sidebar is hard-coded so all changes to it need to be edited in the actual sidebar file.
Please no more questions beyond this, this site is not a forum and I can’t possibly troubleshoot everyone’s WordPress issues. If you need personal help I do provide that service for a fee.
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Greatfull to the Lord taht you’ve cleared out my trouble, you know after haveing got acustomed to a “2.0″ version I can’t get used to some changes in wordpress 2.5, think I’m not the only one with such a difficulty.
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I am thinking about updating my wordpress blog to 2.5 but after reading some of the comments above I am wondering if its going to be worth all the hassle?
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Jeff Replied:
July 24th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Ummm… this post is pretty old, version 2.8.2 is out now.
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the widgets section has improved so much since 2.5. love it.
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Hi.
I really like the new wordpress features. WP is getting better and better. When I imagine what WP had 3 years ago..
Pete
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I have the latest version of wordpress and love the widgets feature, so much easier to use now
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I used to do sites with dreamweaver manually, and I just switched to wordpress. It’s just that much better, takes care of everything for you, even your robots.txt file. Love it and wont go back!
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Aside from the widgets, I live the many plug-ins that are compatible with WordPress. I used to be a Blogger user and switched to WordPress for the very obvious reasons – felxibility!
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My site is still under construction. But…..
I need to know how to change the color of the text in my sidebars. Right now it is a faded gray. I know I have at leat 2.5 because my dashboard says that 2.9.2 is available.
Also, it would be great to know how to spice my widgets up.
Maybe some great widget pluggins.
Thanks,
Bruce
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Jeff Replied:
March 21st, 2010 at 7:53 am
Do you need your dog walked or perhaps I can cut your lawn too?
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Bruce Kitts Replied:
March 21st, 2010 at 8:41 pm
I assume that is your attempt at humor. If there is anyone interested in telling me how to color my widget text, please let me know.
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Jeff Replied:
March 22nd, 2010 at 7:35 am
No it is my attempt to tell you to use Google and look for your answers elsewhere. This is not a forum or a help desk.
Jeff it’s awesome to see you’re actually moderating your comments haha
I can relate though, I login everyday to 75% spammed comments.
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I have the latest version of wordpress and love the widgets feature, so much easier to use now
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Drive-By comments will be deleted! Like "Thanks for sharing", "Nice post", or any other text that doesn't contribute to the discussion. If you ask a very specific question about your particular WordPress theme, it will probably be deleted. I can fix your WordPress site but for a price. If you ask a question like "Why don't my blog work right", it will be deleted. If you ask a question about your WordPress site without a leaving a link to it, it will be deleted. The point is to ask questions and or comment on the the actual content of the post, and to please use some common sense. All comments are moderated and will appear when approved. Thank you.